Steam generation apparatus and kit for pipe clearing applications

ABSTRACT

A portable, steam generating apparatus has a steam generator unit configured with a tank having an integral handle and flange, a fluid supply inlet, a steam outlet, and a valve disposed on the steam outlet operable between an open and closed position. The steam generator unit is adapted to receive a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure. A flexible conduit or hose is connected to the valve so as to control the delivery of steam by means of said flexible conduit means to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes. The steam generator unit can be heated by a heat source configured to heat fluid disposed in said tank to generate steam. A steam generating kit for clearing blockages in pipes includes the steam generating unit configured with a pressure release valve, a control valve, a flexible conduit, and a burner assembly for heating the fluid in the tank

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to steam generator systems and, more particularly, to a portable steam generation cleaning apparatus and kit for cleaning and clearing blockages in pipes for sewage and septic fields.

2. Description of the Related Art

Known steam machines have applications in cleaning, heating and propulsion. Special adaptation of steam cleaning apparatus are not configured for application to sewage and septic fields in clearing blockages and as a pipe cleaning apparatus.

Pipes for sewage and septic accumulate material including debris and ice blockages, particularly in cold weather on portions of a pipe between a structure and the septic tank or sewer. Typically exit from a structure by underground pipe to the local sewage system or to a septic field. In cold weather, such underground pipes can freeze. Blockages can develop for sewage exiting the structure causing failure of the system. Known steam devices have a limited power output, portability and use in hardened environments encountered in cleaning sewage and septic fields. Portable domestic cleaning appliances for clothing or general cleaning have deficiencies so as to limit such application to make their operation not satisfactory in the sewage and septic fields, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,972 B1.

Domestic steam cleaning appliances are already available, and where used for general cleaning, de-greasing and sterilizing, comprise a steam generator coupled to the appliance by a suitable hose. Other domestic steam cleaning appliances fail in their application to cleaning sewage and septic fields such as, for example, large systems are non-portable, with designs limited by the extent of the chord. A large steam generator is not truly or easily portable due to its size. Moreover, disadvantages of known large steam systems require heating up a significant quantity of water and maintaining the steam under pressure for use, both of which suffer that during delivery along the tube the steam has a tendency to cool down and to condense. Domestic portable steam cleaning systems suffer from a small quantity of water that may be insufficient to unfreeze a blockage in a submerged or buried frozen pipe. Portable steam cleaning systems designs have limitations for reaching a blockage and maintaining the steam under pressure for delivery of steam along the tube to the site, whereby the steam, of course, has a tendency to cool down and to condense.

Conventional pipe cleaning designs use an impeller configured by a separate cylinder that is inserted and operates to rub off adherent matter. A suggested solution is in using a chain-like part disposed on the inserted cylinder to rub the inside periphery of the pipe, whereby washing fluid flows through the pipe to carry the matter away, is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. JP2003/039033. Similarly an apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of a long-length pipe, by which rubbish or the like on the inner surface of the pipeline is cleaned, is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. JP2003/181402. The apparatus utilizes a brush and jet nozzles 12 attached to a rotary cap 6 for jetting a liquid to clean the inner surface of the pipe. Another apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of a long-length pipe includes a part for touching the inner surface that while rotating around a longitudinal axis and configured with guide bodies 3 a and 3 b so as to keep the apparatus in the axial center, as is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. JP2003/190898. The above cleaning apparatus must be pulled from one to the other end of the pipe to be cleaned, typically, by a guide rope. Another suggested solution has been to utilize a self-propelled sewer pipe cleaning apparatus as is disclosed in GB789510 that utilizes a brush and jet nozzles 12 attached to a rotary cap 6 for jetting a liquid to clean the inner surface of the pipe.

Other steam cleaning apparatus are known yet these do not work in this application as these consumer steam cleaning systems are directed to applications of cleaning or pressing clothing as well as cleaning exposed surfaces. However, the portable, steam generators of the art do not do solve the numerous problems in clearing debris and ice blockages from pipes, particularly in cold weather on portions of underground pipe between a structure and the septic tank or sewer. The construction of other prior art steam generators do not address these barriers and the portable, steam cleaning apparatus of the present invention advantageously satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In keeping with one aspect of this invention, a portable, steam generating apparatus has a steam generator unit configured with a tank having an integral handle and flange, a fluid supply inlet, a steam outlet, and a valve disposed on the steam outlet operable between an open and closed position. The steam generator unit is adapted to receive a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure. A flexible conduit or hose is connected to the valve so as to control the delivery of steam by means of said flexible conduit means to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes. The steam generator unit can be heated by a heat source configured to heat fluid disposed in said tank to generate steam. The material or other blockage is removed by discharging a jet of steam onto it from a steam generating apparatus so as to clean and clear the pipe.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a steam generating kit adapted to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes. The kit includes the steam generating unit is configured with a pressure release valve, a control valve, a flexible conduit, and a burner assembly for heating the fluid in the tank.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the portable, steam generation cleaning apparatus and kit of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the portable, steam generating cleaning apparatus and kit of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a cross sectional view of the portable, steam generating cleaning apparatus and kit of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic views illustrates the operation of the portable, steam generating cleaning apparatus of the present invention in for clearing a blockage in a pipe; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating the integral stand assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable, steam generating apparatus and kit 10 is described. While the invention is disclosed in an application for clearing blockages in underground water mains, pipes to sewage systems, pipes to septic systems other applications for clearing debris, ice blockages, materials, sediment and other deposits from the interior of a pipe. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

The portable, steam generating apparatus 10 is configured with a tank 11 with an inlet 13 having a cap 14, and a steam outlet 15. The tank 11 can be constructed from steel, fiberglass, ceramics, high-temperature plastics or other material that can be have a pressure tolerance of 85 to 125 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.) and is configured to withstand heating and steam temperatures. The tank 11 tank is a secured vessel that a user can dispose 2 to 3 gallons of water or other fluid for the generation of steam. The tank 11 can include a flange 12 for stabilizing the tank in an upright position during heating of the fluid disposed therein.

The inlet 13 and cap 14 close and seal the inlet 13 during the generation of steam. The inlet 13 can be constructed from a steel shaft or rod secured to an aperture made in the tank 10. The cap 14 can be a threaded steel cap of sufficient a pressure tolerance of 85 to 125 p.s.i. and withstand steam temperatures and above.

The steam outlet 15 can be constructed from a steel shaft or rod secured to another aperture made in the tank 10. The steel shaft 15 can be threaded and made adapted to be secured to the tank 10 and to receive a valve 16 for controlling the exit of steam from the steam generating apparatus. The valve 16 can be constructed of suitable materials and include a handle operable between an open and closed position. The valve 16 is further adapted to receive one end of a conduit, steam line or hose 17 so as to allow steam to flow 22 from one to another end of the conduit 17. The conduit 17 is constructed from materials that are stiff yet flexible so as to allow directed passage down a pipe 29 towards a blockage 30. Suitable conduit 17 is hose or steam line and Air Brake Tubing for truck brakes meeting the performance criteria of SAEJ844 and DOT FMVSS106 having a ⅝″ outer diameter rated for maximum pressure of 150 p.s.i. has been found suitable for application under the invention. Conventional air system nylon air brake tubing in conformance with SAE J844 Type B ⅝″ is manufactured by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics available under Synflex™ in various part number(s) conforming to the criteria of SAEJ844 and DOT FMVSS106.

The tank 11 is configured with a pressure release valve 18 that can include a gage indicating the pressure in the tank 11 such as, for example, the pressure may be indicated in units of p.s.i, atmosphere or torrs. Suitable pressure release valves 18 can be constructed for example from conventional spring biased valves 33 as shown in FIG. 2. Suitable pressure release valves 18 are rated to release the pressure in the tank at about 150 p.s.i. and are generally available as manufactured for air compressors and the like. The tank 11 can further include a handle 19 suitably configured so as to provide grasping with a hand for portability and ease of maneuverability.

A steam clearing kit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured with a tank 11 with a flange 12 and handle 19, with an inlet 13 having a cap 14, and a steam outlet 15 with a control valve 16, a flexible conduit 17, a pressure release valve 18, and a heat source 20. The heat source 20 according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be constructed from gas tank 21 having a valve 22 for controlling the release of gas from the gas tank 21, a stand 23 having legs 23 a, 23 b, and 23 c, a burner 24, and a inlet 25 adapted to connect. A hose 34 connects from the valve 22 of the gas tank 21 to the burner assembly 24 of the stand 23 via inlet 25. The inlet 25 is adapted to connect to standard gas grill hose assemblies and can be constructed of a 0.375″ female MPT LP regulator with soft nose connector manufactured and or available from Appliance Factory Parts, www.appliancefactoryparts.com under the part number 00900. A suitable burner is for liquid propane (LP) gas grill operations. The heat source 20 can be formed from conventional gas grill assembly parts and fittings, for example, an LP tank, a hose and regulator valve assembly (#80012 and #80024) , a stainless steel ring burner assembly (190 12101), each of which is available manufactured and or available from Appliance Factory Parts, www.appliancefactoryparts.com under the part numbers listed. A suitable stand 23 assembly should be portable and lightweight and can be formed of a tripod stand with an integral burner and rack for resting the steam clearing assembly thereon. The gas flow can be regulated by the valve control 22. In certain applications, the stand 23 is manufactured with a variable, flow control valve to control the flow to the burner 24. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stand 23 can be the ground or a fire pit.

Referring to FIG. 2, another exemplary embodiment of the heat source 28 is configured to electrically generate heat so as to heat the fluid disposed in said tank 11 and generate steam. The electrical source 28 can be a battery 27 or generator 28 suitably configured to withstand cold and wet conditions that are present in on-site operation. The tank 11 can be configured to have a coil 26 disposed therein for heating the fluid to generate steam. The coil 26 can be electrically activated or be a coil to flow other fluids through in a known manner to heat the fluid in the tank. In such constructions, the tank 11 can be steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber with an inner shell, so as to reduce weight so as to facilitate the construction of the tank 11 vessel around the coil 26. In this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stand 23 can rest on the surface or ground on the flange 12. Alternatively a integral stand 32 can be formed on a side of the tank 11 spaced apart from the handle so as to allow the apparatus 10 to operate on its side as is illustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, the operation of the steam apparatus 10 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 is useful in removing blockages such as debris, ice or other obstructions in water mains, sewer lines, septic lines and water pipes, for example, supply or return water pipes in a building. Initially water or other fluids are added to the tank 11 through the inlet 13 and is sealed by cap 14. The amount of water should be about two thirds of the capacity of the tank 11 inserted can be approximately three gallons in a five gallon tank. The apparatus 10 is positioned by the operator grasping the handle 19 and placing it upright on the stand 23 resting on the flange 12. Heat is applied to the base of the tank 11 adjacent the flange 12 to form steam in the tank 11. The rotating control valve 16 is placed in a closed position. The gas tank valve 22 of the gas tank 21 can be connected by gas line 34 to the stand 23. The gas tank valve 22 is opened to start the release of gas to the burner 24, which the operator can ignite. The heat applied to the unit 10 in this manner heats the water in the tank to boiling in a known manner to generate steam, thereby creating steam for release by valve 22 to clear a blockage 30. The water in the tank 11 is heated until 120 p.s.i. is reached on the gauge. The apparatus is removed from the heat and taken to the area close to the blockage. The pressure release valve can be configured to release excess pressure in the tank above a threshold, such as 120 p.s.i. The conduit 17 is inserted and threadably pushed or pulled on its own or with a snake apparatus in the pipe 29 to the site of the blockage 30 20. Opening the valve 22 allows the flow of steam through the conduit 17 to exit as steam 31′ at the site of the blockage. As is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, applying steam 31 to blockage 30 gradually disintegrates, dissolves or otherwise removes the debris, ice or other material blocking the pipe 29, thereby restoring normal flow there through. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat source 28 is constructed from an electrical generator and supplies power by a wire 32 electrical wire connection to the coil 26 integral to tank 11.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, a portable generator can supply electrical power on-site to the portable steam generating unit. Flexible conduit comes in numerous constructions each of which may have suitable temperature ratings for application to deliver steam to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes. Moreover, application can be made in frozen water and water heating pipes should these be drained so as to reach any blockage. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A portable, steam generating apparatus comprising in combination: a steam generator unit adapted to clear blockages in pipes, said generator unit comprising: a tank having an integral handle and a flange, a fluid supply inlet, a steam outlet; and a valve disposed on the steam outlet operable between an open and closed position; a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank; a flexible conduit means connected to said valve; and a heat source configured to apply heat to said steam generator unit so as to heat fluid disposed in said tank to generate steam; and whereby said steam generator unit is made controllable by said valve disposed on the steam outlet to deliver steam by means of said flexible conduit means to clear blockages in pipes.
 2. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heat source is a propane burner configured with a stand, a fuel source, and a hose connecting said fuel source to said propane burner.
 3. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 2, control means for controlling the supply of fuel to said propane burner, said control means disposed between said fuel source and a combustion chamber of said propane burner for igniting said combustible mixture therein.
 4. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heat source is an electric heating element powered by electric potential generating means.
 5. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said electric heating element is disposed in said tank of said steam generating unit with electrical leads of said electric heating element and extending from said steam generating unit for connecting to said electric potential generating means.
 6. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said flexible conduit means is a hose made from one of a group of thermo-plastic or synthetic material temperature rated for steam applications.
 7. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said valve disposed on the steam outlet is located between said outlet and said flexible conduit means so as to control the delivery of steam to the blockage.
 8. The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said steam generator unit is adapted to receive a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure in said tank.
 9. A kit adapted to clear blockages in a pipe, comprising: a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve; a flexible conduit temperature rated for supplying steam to the blockage; and a heat source for heating fluid in said tank of said steam generating unit.
 10. A kit adapted to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes, comprising: a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve; a flexible conduit for supplying steam to the blockage; and a heat source for heating the fluid in said tank wherein said heat source is a propane burner assembly configured with a stand, a fuel source, and a hose connecting said fuel source
 11. A kit adapted to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes, comprising: a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve; a flexible conduit for supplying steam to the blockage; and a heat source for heating the fluid in said tank wherein said heat source further comprises a burner assembly of a butane grill tank.
 12. The kit as set forth in claim 9, wherein said heat source is an electric heating element configured to be powered by electric potential generating means.
 13. The kit as set forth in claim 12, wherein said electric heating element is disposed in said tank of said steam generating unit with electrical leads of said electric heating element and extending from said steam generating unit for connecting to said electric potential generating means.
 14. The kit as set forth in claim 9, wherein said flexible conduit means is a hose made from one of a group of thermoplastic or synthetic material temperature rated for steam applications.
 15. The kit as set forth in claim 9, wherein said control valve is disposed between said outlet and said flexible conduit so as to control the delivery of steam to the blockage.
 16. The kit as set forth in claim 9, wherein said pressure release valve is disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure from said tank. 